"Many stars who have made it remember what it was like to struggle. They want to help.

And help they did on October 26 when some of Broadway and Hollywood’s brightest stars lit up the stage at the Minskoff Theatre in an Actors Fund benefit entitled, “Chance & Chemistry: A Centennial Celebration of Frank Loesser.” Proceeds for the benefit will go to support Actors Fund programs, everything from health care to financial assistance.

“The Actors Fund is always ready during these volatile times,” said Joseph P. Benincasa, the Fund’s executive director. “The Fund’s essential and unique programs are available to everyone who works in television, film, theatre, music, opera, radio and dance in times of need, crisis or transition.”

Jo Sullivan Loesser chaired the event with Sir Paul McCartney (in photo above), and the hosts included Annette Bening, Kevin McCollum, the Broadway producer, and Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels. Like Tisch, many of the benefit’s donors love theater and film and came out to support those who work in the industry. (Photo at top shows, from left, Jo Sullivan Loesser, Annette Bening, Jonathan Tisch, Sir Paul McCartney, Kevin McCollum, and Brain Stokes Mitchell)."

Sir Paul McCartney, the evening’s co-chair, not only treated the audience with a song, but also surprised with his choice, Loesser’s “I’d Like to Get You on a Slow Boat to China.” He joins a roster of others—everyone from Rosemary Clooney to Fats Domino to Miss Piggy—who at one time or another, have warbled this famous tune. The audience loved it!

The closing number was a rousing performance of “Brotherhood of Man” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying led by John Stamos. The song was the perfect end to a perfect evening and conveyed the sentiments of the Actors Fund: to come together and help each other.